Frostpunk 1886 Gets Unreal Engine Makeover

11 bit Studios has revealed their next Frostpunk project - Frostpunk 1886, a complete remake of the original survival city-builder. Continue reading for details about this announcement and the expected release window.

Frostpunk 1886 Official Announcement

Classic Game Rebuilt with Unreal Engine

The creators of Frostpunk surprised fans with an unexpected announcement via Twitter (X) on April 24: Frostpunk 1886, a ground-up remake of their acclaimed first title using Unreal Engine technology.

According to developers, this remake will introduce an entirely new Purpose Path system, finally implement modding support, and preserve the essence of the original while enhancing it. The studio elaborated further in a detailed Steam post on the same day, outlining their vision for this ambitious project.

11 bit Studios is transitioning from their proprietary Liquid Engine (which powered the initial release) to Unreal Engine technology. Their experience developing Frostpunk 2 with Unreal Engine 5 revealed the potential they could have achieved with the first game. "Our objective is to enhance every aspect with superior visuals, higher resolutions, and all the other capabilities Unreal Engine provides," the developers explained.

Scheduled for 2027 Launch

The development team confirmed Frostpunk 1886 is currently in production, targeting a 2027 release. They envision this project serving as both an ideal entry point for new players and a fresh experience for veteran fans - a version they'll want to revisit repeatedly.

The studio also hinted at future content expansions through potential DLCs. Emphasizing their commitment to more frequent releases beyond their typical 5+ year development cycles, Frostpunk 1886 represents the beginning of this new approach. In the interim, players can enjoy Frostpunk 2, which will receive a significant free update on May 8, followed by console versions this summer, as outlined in the game's roadmap.

Frostpunk 2 is currently available on PC, with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions launching this summer. For the latest updates about the game, check out our coverage below!